It was a mega-church celebration! Nearly 4,000 Southeast Texas Catholics, visiting clergy and family, and other guests gathered Sept. 18 for the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont.

Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, said he was filled with joy to see so many gathered to celebrate the diocese’s birthday.

“Welcome to all of you,” Bishop Guillory said. “Bless God who has done wondrous things.”

In his homily Bishop Guillory talked of the journey the Catholic Church in Southeast Texas has had over the past 50 years. He said it was a wonderful time because the Beaumont Diocese was founded right after the close of the Second Vatican Council and was able to put into action many items brought forth by the Council such as the increased role of the laity and being diverse but unified. Bishop Guillory emphasized that though the Catholic Church is diverse with different cultures and backgrounds, all are united in the Catholic faith.

And diversity abounds in Southeast Texas. One illustration of that at the anniversary Mass was in the intercessions which were in nine different languages representing nine of the cultures that are included in the Diocese of Beaumont.

Bishop Guillory was joined by 14 visiting bishops including Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

After Mass the celebration continued with a birthday party including cake and music.